Make no mistake about it.
There’s a big four.
Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and TEMS.
At this point she’s on par with the boys. Critics will have to deal with that.
Within the space of five years she’s bagged a Soul Train, AMA, BET, NAACP amongst other prestigious international awards, along with her Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
It’s not an easy feat.
I’ve shared this story before, when I first developed interest in her music, it was through an American YouTube vlogger who often gushed about her music.
That was during her EP days.
She wasn’t as much of a force as she is now.
However, it was cool seeing someone from a different cultural background fan out over a then-rising artiste from home, discussing her music with a great amount of knowledge.
That was when I realised that this girl wey plenty people no rate was gradually crossing over.
Unlike most artistes, she successfully broke into the international alte R&B scene without needing too many western collaboration or endorsement.
No heavy social media presence. No paparazzi. No over-the-top music videos.
No noisy fan base.
Just her artistry doing the talking.
For me, that’s a real star.
There are not too many of them in this generation who weren’t manufactured by hype and overexposure.
But Tems is going against the grain and winning big.
Now she has won her 2nd Grammy.
She didn’t make a big fuss about it, and we know she won’t, even though it solidifies her position among the big dawgs in the game.
The long and short of it is that a leading lady has entered the club.
The Big 3 is now the Big 4.
Get comfortable with it.
BTV reporting
